The Five Elements: Metal & Its Personality Type

Chinese Medicine Theory, Dietary Therapy, Health Coaching

August 29th, 2022

The Metal Element personality type likes planners, to-do lists, and tasks in a linear fashion. Needless to say, they are well organized and proud of it too.

They are intelligent, well dressed, and often the anchor of the family. Strong and supportive, they are the ones who set the rules and boundaries, keep the place neat, and control the chaos. When out of balance, a metal personality type can be strict, controlling, and overbearing. This leads to tension, pressure, and resistance.

In Chinese Medicine, control belongs to the metal elements and the lungs. Our breath has a natural and automatic order; yet we can deliberately control it too.

We take in and release. Each breath paced for expansion and contraction, though not without the subtle pause between each breath.

As there is yin and yang within everything, control has both too. When control is balanced, the metal element and its environment move like a well-oiled machine. Seamless, structured, organized, calm, collected, on time, and on task.

The yang of control is excessive, stubborn, firm in its ways, overprotective, and quick to disregard others’ suggestions. Control in excess can be hypocritical, judgmental, and pessimistic. Excessive control can also constrict bowel movements causing constipation.

The yin of control in opposition is lazy, disorganized, aloof, and passive. They often can be described with their head in the clouds.

In my practice, I see control in excess often. Patients squeeze tightly to life or results they want. They believe their way is the only way, and the only way is to control. When we squeeze tightly to control, there’s no room for potential or possibility.

Take a moment – Breathe in and hold that inhale for as long as you can. That’s what control feels like. Tight, constricted, constrained, uncomfortable, and full of fear that the release may never come. There is little room for life, growth, or opportunity.

Take a moment again – Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Exhale out the mouth, no count. Again, inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Exhale out the mouth, no count. This breath pattern is an example of calculated positive control.

Now imagine a situation, person or event where control can be released. Allow yourself to release physical and mental tension with every exhale. Similarly to riding a horse, gently release tension on the reigns as you allow yourself to be guided and led.

Take the path of least resistance, and you’ll find yourself in nature’s order. 

The Five Elements of Chinese Medicine

The Five Elements of Chinese Medicine are living in all of us. We naturally embody and gravitate towards some more than others. While the remaining few may be where are challenges and lessons reside.

The Five Elements are:

  • Fire (Summer)
  • Earth (Late Summer)
  • Metal (Autumn)
  • Water (Winter)
  • Wood (Spring)

Each element has associated organs, season, color, taste, cardinal direction, personality characteristics, and much more. 

The Metal Element is associated with the Lungs (respiratory system) and Large Intestine (lower digestive system). Other associations are:

  • Season: Autumn / Fall
  • Taste: Pungent / Spicy
  • Emotion: Grief
  • Color: White
  • Sensory organ: Nose
  • Tissues: Skin
  • Cardinal direction: West
  • Time of day: Lungs between 3-5am & Large Intestine between 5-7am
  • System: Respiratory 

We can use these Five Elements and their attributes to our favor. One of which is by living in accordance with each season.

WE ALSO USE ALL FIVE ELEMENTS IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

Metal imbalances can include, but are not limited to: 

  • Chills
  • Cough: dry and wet
  • Frequent colds and flus
  • Shortness of breath
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Congestion
  • Skin rashes and hives
  • Constipation
  • Dryness: skin, nose, lips, throat, hair, itchiness
  • Thirst
  • Grief, sadness
  • Excessive control

Metal ELEMENT FOOD THERAPY

The pungent flavor has an affinity for the Metal Element, lungs, and large intestine. It is expansive, dispersing, warming and therefore, yang in nature. It stimulates the movement of Qi and Blood, specifically up and out to the limbs and orifices.

The pungent flavor can be used medicinally. Read more about its properties in my post The Pungent Flavor and Its Effects on Your Body.

Strengthen, support, warm, and cool your Metal Element and associated organs and channels with the following foods and herbs:

FRUITS
  • Apple
  • Grapefruit
  • Honey
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Loquat
  • Pear
  • Plum
  • Persimmon
    Herbs & Spices
    • Anise
    • Basil
    • Black pepper
    • Cayenne
    • Cinnamon
    • Chamomile
    • Clove
    • Dill
    • Garlic
    • Ginger
    • Horseradish
    • Fennel
    • Mint family
    • Onion family
    • Rosemary
    • Salt
      VEGETABLES
      • Cruciferous vegetables
      • Leeks
      • Organic soybean
      • Olives
      • Pickles
      • Radish
      • Spinach
      • Sauerkraut
      MEAT
      • Clams
      • Crab
      • Eggs
      • Herring
      • Mussels
      • Oysters
      • Pork
      GRAINS
      • Barley
      • Millet
      • Oats
      • Rice
      • Sourdough bread
      • Wheat

      To nurture your Metal Element

      • Sweat often and exfoliate your skin weekly with a dry brush. The sweat will release toxins, while the exfoliation will slough off old, lingering dead cells.
      • Take walks in cooler weather. The cold air will strengthen the lungs by challenging expansion and contraction.
      • Breathe intentionally. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes, sit or lay, close your eyes, and breathe deeply in and out through your nose. Exhale out your mouth for an extra release.
      • Drink plenty of water with electrolytes, while also eating water and fiber-rich foods to promote a healthy bowel movement. Check out my video on dehydration and electrolytes below.
      • Express your grief. This can be through writing / journaling, talking to the self out-loud or with those you are comfortable with.
      • Stay organized. Make plans and schedule your time. This can include meal plan and prep, date night, special family night, do nothing day, and even a day to be spontaneous.

      “Life is moving, not static, and although we can shape it, it cannot be controlled.”

      Dr. Randine Lewis

      Get to know your Lungs

      What to eat for lung health

      30-Second Exercise to Calm

      Spicy Flavor in Action

      ADD THIS TO WATER TO AVOID DEHYDRATION

      Disclaimer: This information is intended for general reference only. It is not a replacement for professional health advice. The content in this post intentionally does not provide dosage information or possible interactions with prescription drugs or other medications. Please contact a certified health practitioner such as a physician of Oriental Medicine or Herbalist before considering use. To schedule an appointment with Malerie, visit the services page. 

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